Da'Jon Hayes-Burr, 15, was fatally shot on Saturday night, July 25, in the Shawnee neighborhood of Louisville, Kentucky. A 14-year-old boy has been charged with murder in connection with the shooting. The incident occurred just months after Hayes-Burr was stabbed while protecting a 12-year-old girl from sexual harassment at the Thunder Over Louisville airshow in April.
The Tragic Shooting
Hayes-Burr, who was about to begin his sophomore year of high school, died from gunshot wounds. His family described the killing as "tragic and senseless," according to local outlet WAVE. Police have not released further details about the circumstances of the shooting, but a suspect, aged 14, has been taken into custody and charged with murder.
A Heroic Past
Hayes-Burr gained recognition in April when he intervened to protect 12-year-old Bristol Staisel. A 45-year-old man, Vasilis Sakellaridis from Oregon, allegedly made lewd comments to the girl. She shouted "pedophile," prompting Hayes-Burr and his friends to form a human shield and tackle Sakellaridis to the ground. During the altercation, Sakellaridis stabbed Hayes-Burr in the stomach. Arrest documents cited by WAVE noted that Sakellaridis was armed with brass knuckles, appeared highly intoxicated, and was belligerent toward medics.
Bristol's mother, Kristyn Staisel, recounted the incident: "He [Sakellaridis] had pure evil in his eyes – that's the way I can describe it." She expressed gratitude for Hayes-Burr's bravery: "Finding out a 15-year-old was harmed — three years older than my daughter — just devastated me. Somebody else's child got hurt defending mine. He put his life on the line, and for that I'm forever grateful. Those kids are heroes beyond heroes. Not only did they save her, but they potentially saved another child that night."
Recognition and Aftermath
Following the stabbing, Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear honored Hayes-Burr with a letter and a challenge coin, a recognition of bravery. The teen had explained his actions: "Since I got a little sister, I wanted…if something happened to my little sister, I'd want somebody to help."
After Hayes-Burr's death, Governor Beshear issued a statement: "Britainy and I are praying for Da'Jon's family and all those affected by this tragedy. Da'Jon was a child of God whose life was taken far too soon, and his bravery and selflessness will leave a lasting impact on the Louisville community and our commonwealth."
The suspect in the shooting, due to his age, will be processed through the juvenile justice system. The Louisville community has mourned the loss of a young life that had already demonstrated remarkable courage.
